# Wisconsin Requests SBA Disaster Declaration

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin formally requested a Small Business Administration (SBA) Rapid Disaster Declaration for Winnebago County following severe storms and an EF-3 tornado in July 2026 that caused widespread damage across multiple counties. This request aims to unlock federal disaster loan programs to support homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits in recovery efforts. The state has also activated emergency measures including deployment of the Wisconsin National Guard and declared a state of emergency to facilitate ongoing response and recovery operations.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate increased demand for disaster recovery contracts, including construction, debris removal, and emergency services in Wisconsin, particularly in Winnebago County and surrounding areas.
- Federal agencies such as SBA and FEMA will coordinate funding and contracting opportunities, creating potential avenues for contractors specializing in disaster relief and infrastructure repair.
- Businesses and non-profits in affected counties may seek assistance through SBA loan programs, indicating a need for outreach and support services.
- Organizations involved in emergency management and state-level recovery efforts, including Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, will likely issue solicitations aligned with recovery priorities.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM)
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- Wisconsin National Guard

### Key Quotes
> The folks in Winnebago County have shown up for one another and persevered in the months since the July storms, but we know that goodwill, volunteers, and hard work alone wont fix the destruction caused. Now, we need our federal partners to step up.
> — Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

### Sources
- [
Press Release: Gov. Evers Requests Small Business Administration Rapid Disaster Declaration for Winnebago County After Severe July Storms

](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/42adf5b) - WI